Solway Sharks Juniors started preparations for the new ice hockey season with a week-long summer camp at Dumfries Ice Bowl.
Having had no ice since June, the players were keen to get back into training and start to recover their fitness levels. Run by Mark Beggs, Head of Talent Identification & Analysis for Great Britain Ice Hockey, the camp attracted not only local players, but youngsters from all over Scotland, and as far as Sheffield and Blackburn.
Strength and conditioning sessions specific to ice hockey were delivered each afternoon by Mark Gallagher of Synergy Performance, while Solway coach Joe Coulter took care of off-ice training in the mornings – varied team-based sessions which included taking the players swimming in the pool next door.
The camp was a great success, with a succession of diverse and wide-ranging skating and skills sessions leading up the big game on the final afternoon that saw the players being split into two teams. The game saw honours even at the end, one-minute shifts and rolling 4-line hockey finishing with a 9-9 scoreline.
Mark Beggs commented, “It is always a pleasure to come to this camp Dumfries. The rink facilities are great, with the best ice in the country. The players all put in big shifts all week, and the effort on the ice couldn’t be faulted. Everyone improved as the week went on, and the game at the end was the highlight for all the players, and a great testament to all their hard work.”
Junior Sharks Club Chair Leanne Thomson said after the camp, “What a week! It was a great team effort to put on such a successful camp, and massive thanks are due to everyone who helped in any way either during the week or beforehand with the organisation and planning. The players were all happy to put the effort in and work hard. It was great to have so many players from other clubs here as well. All in all our players couldn’t ask for better preparation for the season ahead.”
If you want to play junior ice hockey Dumfries and Galloway Council run learn to play sessions at Dumfries Ice Bowl on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm. Call 01387 251300 for details.
Solway Sharks Juniors are actively recruiting players at all age groups – if you are interested in joining the club please contact us through our facebook page.
